Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

In his Angelus address on Jan. 21, Pope Francis announced a year of prayer that will lead up to the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. During his address, Pope Francis expressed his nostalgia for the spiritual fervor of his youth, stating, "Sometimes, I’m nostalgic for the vigorous spiritual life I pursued in my twenties." He fondly recalled, "What memorable and intense times I had at late-night adoration, daily Mass."

Pope Francis also took the opportunity to explain the significance of Lent, describing it as "a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving celebrated by all Catholics, and most other Christian denominations."

Meanwhile, the USCCB has launched a 3-year National Eucharistic Revival initiative, emphasizing the importance of the current moment in the life of the Church in the U.S. A representative of the USCCB remarked, "We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the life of the Church in the U.S."

As the Catholic Church prepares for significant events and initiatives, including the Jubilee Year and the National Eucharistic Revival, the faithful are encouraged to engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of charity as part of their spiritual journey.